Sipadan Island Malaysia Travel Guide

Sipadan Island is located off the east coast of East Malaysia (Borneo) in the Celebes Sea. It is close to the town of Tawau and Semporna. Sipadan Island has been declared part of the surrounding marine park so building resorts there has been banned. There are a number of islands close by including Kapalai and Mabul Island which has accommodation that can arrange trips to Sipadan Island.

The island is perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling trips with excellent coral reefs and a huge variety of marine life. The marine life include Barracuda, Big Eye Travallie, Hawksbill Turtles, Green Turtle, White tip reef sharks and the rare Hammerhead shark.

There is an entrance fee to visit Sipadan Island of RM40 (US$11) per person per day. There is a limit of 120 people who can visit the island each day.

PADI Scuba dive centres

Sipadan Scuba is a PADI 5 star instructor development centre located in Semporna. www.sipadanscuba.com

Also check out Scuba Sipadan. They also offer PADI Dive Courses and holiday packages. www.sipadan.com/PADI-Dive-Courses.php

Getting to Sipadan Island Malaysia

The closes town in Sabah East Malaysia to Sipadan and Mabul Islands is Tawau which is serviced by a small airport. There are regular flights from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau airport.

Air Asia has direct flights to Tawau from Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur as well as from Singapore. www.airasia.com

Malaysian Airlines have regular flights from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau. www.malaysiaairlines.com

By Ferry

Ferries leave from the town of Semporna, not far from Tawau.

By bus

Buses from Kota Kinabalu take over 8 hours to travel to Semporna via Tawau.

Last updated 25th July 2010

Hotels in Sipadan Island Malaysia

Following is accommodation close to Sipadan island including current 2009 room rates and contact details.

Sipadan Water Village Resort is an amazing luxury resort with all the accommodation suspended over the water on stilts. The following packages are available:

Standard Cottage - Non-diver

5D/4N: US$935 per person

Extension per night US$140 per person

Standard Cottage - Diver

5D/4N: US$395 per person

Extension per night US$255 per person

The package starts from Tawau inclusive of following services:

Airport meeting services in Tawau (Airport or Hotel).

Return land transfer from Tawau to Semporna.

Return speedboat transfer from Semporna to SWV Resort, Mabul.

Twin share water cottage accommodation with private sundeck.

Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner

www.sipadanwatervillage.com

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort located a few minutes by boat from Sipadan and Mabul Island this resort is built on stilts on top of a sand reef. www.sipadan-kapalai.com

Smart Divers Resort is located on Mabul Island. Bungalows built under coconut trees overlooking the white sandy beach and crystal clear blue waters. www.sipadan-mabul.com.my

Mabul Water Bungalows has 14 bungalows suspended over the water just offshore of Mabul Island. Room prices start from US$510 including car transfer from Tawau, boat transfer and all meals. www.mabulwaterbungalows.com

Hotels in Semporna and Tawau

If your flight arrives late into Tawau you may have to spend the night in either Tawau or Semporna before you are transfered to Sipadan. No transfers are made after 4pm. Following are some hotels in both locations

Seafest Hotel is a 3 star hotel overlooking the sea in Semporna. Room prices start from RM90 (US$26) www.etawau.com

Promenade Hotel a brand new 4 star hotel opened in Tawau in May 2009. Promotional room rates start from RM158.70 nett per night including breakfast. (US$45) www.promenade.com.my